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Selling With Whitford

Getting the best price

We pride ourselves on our negotiation abilities; it is an integral role to fulfil for our clients.  These skills can result in tens of thousands of extra dollars for our vendors.

Rather than remain passive in the process of relaying offers between buyer and seller, we add value. And while we always treat buyers with respect, honesty and confidentiality, at the same time we always extract the maximum available price for our vendors.

Even at auction, the strategies and methods we use are designed to yield the best possible results for our vendors; regardless of whether we sell "under the hammer" or in a post-auction negotiation.  These are pivotal points of differentiation between us and other agencies.

We would love the opportunity to discuss our various strategies with you when you are ready to talk to us.

Strategic marketing approach

Discover how our industry expertise, market intelligence, and powerful marketing strategies can make your house shine in a competitive market.

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Choose an agent

1. Choose an agent

With a team of highly experienced and highly focused agents, Whitford have cemented their status as experts in the local market.

Choose a time to sell

2. Choose a time to sell

Consider your personal commitments and your family's plans, while also taking into account seasonal trends and market conditions.

Make necessary repairs

3. Make necessary repairs

If your property requires repairs, rely on your Buxton agent for guidance on areas that need attention. They can also help you connect with trusted tradespeople who come recommended.

Presenting your home

4. Presenting your home

As they say, you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression. We have a qualified interior decorator on our team and if you would like her to visit you for a free consultation we would be honored to offer you this opportunity as part of our service. Sometimes small changes in furniture placement, colour use and making spaces appear larger can be of great help before photography occurs. Many people decide whether or not to inspect a property from the photographs alone. This service may give you the edge in a competitive market.

Choose a sales method

5. Choose a sales method

When selling your property, there are various methods available, including auction, private sale, and expression of interest. While auction is the most common method in Victoria, your agent will provide guidance and recommend the most suitable approach based on your specific needs.

Have realistic expectations

6. Have realistic expectations

Beforehand, conduct market research, gather recent sales data, and establish a rough estimate of the property's value. Subsequently, consult with your agent to obtain their estimated selling price. Agents possess valuable insights into local trends, prevailing supply and demand, and other factors that influence pricing.

Method of Sale

Public auction
#1

Public auction

In sought-after neighborhoods, this approach reigns supreme. Engaging in competitive offers frequently leads to outcomes that surpass anticipations.

Private Sale
#2

Private Sale

A preferred method for vendors seeking greater control, private sales often provide a more measured pace, thus reducing immediate pressures to accept an offer.

Expression of Interest
#3

Expression of Interest

Blending elements of a private sale with aspects of a blind auction, prospective buyers are instructed to tender their utmost offer by a predetermined date, remaining unaware of the vendor's stipulated price.

Off Market Sale
#4

Off Market Sale

Perfect for vendors who choose to refrain from publicizing their property or conducting a series of formal open house viewings.

Sale by Tender
#5

Sale by Tender

Utilizing a definitive date for submissions, this approach is employed for expansive properties, significant developments, or varied applications.

What is the current estimated value of your property?

Our reputation as genuine local area experts has been built on our deep understanding of buyer interests, neighborhoods, and the market. As we live locally and serve the community, we have acquired unmatched knowledge surpassing other brands in the industry.

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Engage with your local area expert

We recognize that deciding to sell your home is a significant decision and that the process can be stressful. Our aim is to simplify your journey, and we are here to offer our assistance. Connect with us to discover how we can support you.

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Fees

When you select a real estate agency to act for you in the sale of possibly your most valuable asset, it’s important not to select them on the basis of their fee.

Certainly consider it, but as you will know, often there is a good reason that things that are cheap or below market price – they are probably inferior or of low quality.

In Victoria, an agent's commission is negotiable and agencies must tell you that. Accordingly, the fee can be at any level that you and the agency agree upon.

So where does that leave you?

Generally, there are three ways to remunerate your agent:

  1. A flat dollar fee – Regardless of the sale price, you pay the agency a pre-determined dollar fee.

  2. A flat percentage fee – No matter how high or low the sale price is, the percentage rate payable to the agency remains constant at the pre-determined percentage, for example, 2.2% of the sale price.

  3. A cocktail, an incentive program, or a “kicker”. This is when you pay a flat dollar fee or a flat percentage fee up to a price threshold and then pay a higher percentage rate on the portion of price above the threshold. For example, 1.8% of the sale price up to $500,000 and then 10% of the sale price in excess of $500,000. Many vendors feel that this motivates the agency to work a little harder to achieve the best price as it incentivises them further.

Whether you prefer one of these three methods or a blend, we can help you achieve your desired result. Let's talk.

Process Summary

When you list your property for sale, the agency has already started the marketing program. If they are professional, they will already have provided you with comparable sales data and other relevant details pertinent to your property ... the adventure has begun.

As soon as you give the go-ahead a lot happens that you may not be aware of. The photographer is booked and the shoot is supervised by the agent. Photographs are selected and are sent off for colour correction, cropping etc. Advertising is booked, advertising copy is written and all the above is put in front of you for your editorial pen and approval.

Then the ads are placed in the relevant newspaper/s, the signboard and brochures are ordered, and the websites are posted. Proofs, amendments and corrections are exchanged during this 7–10 day period.

Meanwhile, our client base is contacted heralding the availability of your property, open house inspections are organised, and we write to your lawyer and ask them to prepare contracts and vendor statements in readiness for the sale.

Now all is ready to commence the campaign. Open houses begin, private inspections are carried out and the business end begins. During this period, regular reporting to you is the order of the day. This is the most important part of the process. You should know all buyers, all comments and be fully informed to make sound decisions about offers and negotiations.

Whether it is a private sale or auction, a conclusion will be reached and with us, it will be an exciting and rewarding one.

Post sale, we send contracts to your lawyer and the purchaser’s lawyer and facilitate communications that move us towards settlement of your sale. If it is a larger settlement, we will also endeavour to have the deposit proceeds released to you before settlement.

The purchaser generally has a pre-settlement inspection, which we organise and attend. In the unlikely event there is an issue, we deal with that involving you and your lawyer.

We can also assist with finalisation and connection of services for you and the purchaser.

After settlement has occurred, we hand over the keys and ensure that you and the purchaser have all needs attended to during that period.

As you can see, the above summary demonstrates that a lot goes on to ensure that your sale is smooth, successful and stress-free.

Current Legislation

SALE OF LAND REGULATIONS 2005

SCHEDULE 1

GENERAL RULES FOR THE CONDUCT OF PUBLIC AUCTIONS OF LAND

1. The auctioneer may make one or more bids on behalf of the vendor of the land at any time during the auction.

2. The auctioneer may refuse any bid.

3. The auctioneer may determine the amount by which the bidding is to be advanced.

4. The auctioneer may withdraw the property from sale at any time.

5. The auctioneer may refer a bid to the vendor at any time before the conclusion of the auction.

6. In the event of a dispute concerning a bid, the auctioneer may re-submit the property for sale at the last undisputed bid or start the bidding again.

7. The auctioneer must not accept any bid or offer for a property that is made after the property has been knocked down to the successful bidder, unless the vendor or successful bidder at the auction refuses to sign the contract of sale following the auction.

8. If a reserve price has been set for the property and the property is passed in below that reserve price, the vendor will first negotiate with the highest bidder for the purchase of the property.

SCHEDULE 5

BIDDING BY CO-OWNERS

VENDOR BIDS

WHAT RULES AND CONDITIONS APPLY TO THE AUCTION?

COPIES OF THE RULES

QUESTIONS

FORBIDDEN ACTIVITIES AT AUCTIONS

WHO MADE THE BID?

IT IS AN OFFENCE TO DISRUPT AN AUCTION

THE COOLING-OFF PERIOD DOES NOT APPLY TO PUBLIC AUCTIONS OF LAND

WHAT LAW APPLIES